Why are blue states scapegoating energy efficiency?

A handful of Democratic-led states are targeting energy-efficiency programs in an attempt to provide relief on soaring utility bills.

It’s surprising, given the broad support energy-efficiency programs have among Democrats — and the fact that these incentives produce energy savings that benefit both the climate and all consumers. The short-term savings may be tempting, advocates say, but chasing them is misguided.

From 2016 to 2024, for example, Massachusetts spent about $8 billion through its Mass Save energy-efficiency programming. That investment led to $16 billion in savings and reduced costs — not including the health and environmental benefits — according to analysis from the Acadia Center. But these mechanisms operate entirely unseen. It’s a tough combination: Consumers see the fee on their bill but not the process by which efficiency programs help slow price increases.